Hey Bathurst77, if you want to get into a beginner plane, then the Aerobird style is fairly indestructible, and parts are cheap and normally off the shelf.
They come with all the gear to just charge and fly, radio included. Nearly all hobbie shops carry something similiar.
Would be perfect for a young fella interested in the hobby and good for you because the price is ok.
Check this out
Aerobird Plane choose aeroplanes at top menu's, then click electric. The first one on the list is a good beginner style
John